Horti wine is made by fermenting tropical fruits and agricultural produce. (Representative image)

Kerala govt questions horti wine sales in bakeries, seeks report on excise approval

Kerala Excise Minister has sought a report on a firm's sale of low-alcohol horti wine through bakeries, raising concerns over its social implications and approval process.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Low-alcohol beverage is produced by fermenting tropical fruits and farm produce
  • Foreign Liquor Rules were amended in 2024 by previous LDF government
  • Chalakudy-based company applied for permission under amended rules months ago

Kerala Excise Minister M Liju on Sunday said a report had been sought from the Excise Commissioner after a firm began selling horti wine, a low-alcohol beverage, through bakeries in the state.

Horti wine is made by fermenting tropical fruits and agricultural produce.

The previous LDF government amended the Foreign Liquor Rules in 2024 to allow licensed bakeries and shopping centres to sell horti wine.

A firm based in Chalakudy had approached the Excise Commissioner a few months ago, seeking permission to sell the beverage under the amended rules. The commissioner granted approval after collecting the prescribed licence fee, officials said.

The firm recently began selling the product, bringing the issue into the public domain.

Speaking to reporters, Liju said the commissioner might not have faced any technical hurdles in granting permission under the existing rules, but the matter should have been brought to the minister's notice.

“The decision should have been taken only after informing the minister and others,” he said, adding that the government would examine the matter seriously.

The minister also raised concerns about the social implications of making such products available at supermarkets and bakeries.

“Even if it was the previous government's policy, how beneficial is it to society for it to be available in a supermarket or a bakery?” he asked.

Liju said a detailed report had been sought on all aspects of the matter and that the government would examine the circumstances under which permission was granted.

- Ends